A spokesman said: “Another cold snap is coming this week, and with the fresh winds and the possibility of sleet or snow on higher ground – including over the M62 west of Huddersfield – we are urging drivers to remain weather wise.

“They should make sure they check traffic and weather conditions before setting out and take notice of conditions when they are out on the network.”

Speed limits on the M62 above Huddersfield were reduced to 40mph yesterday, because of the strong winds.

Kirklees Council had all its gritting crews out yesterday evening, doing a full grit of all the priority routes, and had night patrols out throughout the night.

Paul Stevens, the Salendine Nook weather expert, said the winds sweeping in from the Irish Sea were likely to bring many sleet and snow showers.

“They were due to start late yesterday and carry on through much of today.

“With the winds, the snow could be whipped up into blizzards and certainly above 500ft, we could get anything from 5cm of snow to 20cm.

“In the town centre, it is likely it will fall as sleet but we could all see some snow.

“Later in the week, the winds will swing round from the north and that will bring in colder Arctic air which will mean temperatures will drop.

“It looks likely there will be more sleet and snow throughout the week.

“And looking ahead for the rest of the month, it looks like more wet and wintry weather with temperatures staying very cold.”